We'll apply our dictionary and research capabilities to two projects in that second half of English 4660. You may make a single word the subject of both these activities, or you may use different topics for each. The Word Museum project requires presentation of material in a visual format; the writing exercise asks you to develop a written scholarly presentation. Consult with Mr. McGowan during the planning, research, and development processes of these projects. These two projects contribute 20% of your final grade.

• To develop research skills in investigating word history. 
• To present an effective visual display of researched information.
• To develop scholarly writing skills in presenting linguistic information and documenting it. 

• Tuesday, 5 March: Submit written proposal of word for Word Museum display.
• Thursdayday, 7 March: Deadline for sign up for Word Museum display date.
• 20 March-24 April: Word Museum display period.
• Tuesday, 24 April: Submission of Research/Writing Exercise.

Essay Goals:

• Discuss its historical background by using information from the Oxford English Dictionary, and give a sense of how and why the meanings have developed and changed.
• Explain the meanings and uses of the word by citing and discussing its appearance in actual texts.
• Give a clear sense of the chronology of the word, including a time line chart showing dates of different meanings.
• Establish relationships between meanings and theories about these relationships.
• Use the conventions of the profession of English expected in linguistic writing. A course handout has explained some of these orthographic and citation conventions.
• Develop a spirited introduction expressing the special uses of the words and a sense of their contexts.
• Develop a conclusion the reminds the reader of main points, suggests future changes, and provides a sense of closure to the paper.